Prince's Island Park Calgary
A serene urban oasis on an island in the Bow River, perfect for picnics, strolls, and enjoying nature amidst Calgary's cityscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Prince's Island Park Calgary
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene urban oasis on an island in the Bow River, perfect for picnics, strolls, and enjoying nature amidst Calgary's cityscape.
"Excellent park with broad walkway, washrooms, great view of river and downtown, must visit this park if you are at peace bridge."
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Grab a picnic basket from River Cafe or pack your own for a delightful meal amidst nature.
🛴 Scooter & Bike Friendly
Rent a scooter or bike to easily explore the park and its scenic pathways.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
River Cafe
25 Prince's Island Park SW
Award-winning dining with a focus on local ingredients, offering picnic baskets and a memorable outdoor experience.
Children's Playground
Central area of the park
A newer, fun play structure perfect for kids to burn energy while parents relax on nearby benches.
Seasonal Beauty
Throughout the park
Experience vibrant autumn colors, spring goslings, and lush summer greenery. Each season offers a unique charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Getting Around & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Grab a picnic basket from River Cafe or pack your own for a delightful meal amidst nature.
🛴 Scooter & Bike Friendly
Rent a scooter or bike to easily explore the park and its scenic pathways.
🦢 Watch for Geese
Spring brings adorable goslings! Be mindful of nesting Canada geese.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Catch impromptu performances by buskers and musicians, especially on weekends.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Grab a picnic basket from River Cafe or pack your own for a delightful meal amidst nature.
🛴 Scooter & Bike Friendly
Rent a scooter or bike to easily explore the park and its scenic pathways.
🦢 Watch for Geese
Spring brings adorable goslings! Be mindful of nesting Canada geese.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Catch impromptu performances by buskers and musicians, especially on weekends.
📸 Insta-Worthy Spots
The park offers beautiful backdrops for photos, especially near the Peace Bridge. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Prince's Island Park is widely praised as a beautiful and essential Calgary destination, offering a peaceful escape with lovely flower arrangements, great trees, and a fun new playground. Visitors appreciate the river views and the opportunity for picnics and relaxation. However, some reviews note that the public washrooms could benefit from an upgrade.
"It's such a beautiful park. Flower arrangements were very creative. The trees are great. Kids' play structure is newer and a lot of fun. The new black squirrels were neat to see for the first time. Only down side was the men's washroom. Two of the toilets were completely disgusting. The place needs an upgrade badly."
Dragos Nina
"Excellent park with broad walkway, washrooms, great view of river and downtown, must visit this park if you are at peace bridge. You can even rent a neuron e bike/scooter to stroll around. Great place to spend a nice evening. Lots of picnic spots were available both shaded and unshaded. Public washrooms were at the River Cafe there is even a playground with lots of kids activity for kids to have fun. Highly recommended park in the heart of Calgary. Parking is mostly on streets on either side of the river. Check out the videos & imaged & follow for more detailed reviews."
Vids Tube
"Super nice quiet park in the heart of downtown. Lots of space, large trees, benches, flower gardens. With the river on both sides it really is a quiet area. Everyone at the park is doing the same thing - just enjoying.
Can be super busy on summer weekends or holidays. So bicycling can be a slow process because of the crowds!"
Jon Cole
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Prince's Island Park is easily accessible by walking or biking from downtown Calgary. You can also use public transport to get close. Many visitors rent scooters or e-bikes to reach the park.
Street parking is available on the streets surrounding the park, but it can be limited and paid. Some spots might be free after 6 PM. +1
Vehicle access is restricted, mainly for deliveries to River Cafe or for events. It's not a general parking area.
Walking, cycling, or using rented scooters are popular and enjoyable ways to explore the park's trails and scenic spots.
Yes, several Calgary Transit routes stop near the park, making it accessible for those using public transportation. Check local transit schedules for the best routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Prince's Island Park is a public park and entry is free for everyone.
The park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific event hours may vary.
For major events like the Folk Fest, tickets are required and should be purchased in advance.
You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks for picnics. The park also has dining options like River Cafe. +1
Dogs are generally allowed in Prince's Island Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be respectful of other visitors and wildlife.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the beautiful flower arrangements, the newer children's playground, and the scenic views of the Bow River and downtown.
Yes, public washrooms are available, including facilities near the River Cafe. Some reviews mention they could use an upgrade.
Enjoy picnicking, strolling along the river, cycling, bird watching (especially goslings in spring), and attending events. +2
Absolutely! The park features a great playground and plenty of open space for kids to play and explore.
Yes, there are designated barbecue areas available for public use, making it a great spot for a cookout.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The award-winning River Cafe is located within the park, offering a fine dining experience and takeaway picnic baskets.
Besides River Cafe, you can enjoy a budget-friendly picnic by packing your own food or visiting nearby downtown eateries.
Yes, there's a small ice cream shop within the park, perfect for a sweet treat on a warm day.
Definitely! Packing your own picnic is a popular and enjoyable way to experience the park. +1
River Cafe focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, offering a Canadian-inspired menu with a focus on fresh, regional flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
The Peace Bridge offers iconic views, and the park's diverse flora and riverfront provide numerous picturesque locations.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the park's beauty.
Autumn brings vibrant fall colors, while spring offers opportunities to photograph goslings. Summer evenings can be magical with event lighting.
A versatile lens is recommended for capturing both wide landscapes and close-ups of wildlife or flowers. Drones can offer unique aerial perspectives, but check park regulations.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or during events. It's advisable to check with park authorities or the City of Calgary for current regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the playground, the park's open spaces are perfect for running around, and the gentle riverbanks offer opportunities for exploration. Packing a picnic or grabbing an ice cream makes for a complete family outing. Be aware of the geese in spring, which can be an exciting, albeit sometimes noisy, addition to the experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Exploring the park on foot or by renting an affordable scooter or bike allows you to see a lot without spending much. Many of the park's most enjoyable aspects, like its natural beauty, walking trails, and people-watching, are entirely free.
couples
+1Consider a picnic for two, perhaps with a gourmet basket from River Cafe, or simply find a quiet bench to share a moment. The park's tranquil atmosphere, especially during off-peak hours, makes it an ideal spot for couples to connect and enjoy each other's company.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Prince's Island Park
+1This island park is renowned for its diverse offerings, from shaded picnic spots and well-maintained walking trails to a popular children's playground and the award-winning River Cafe. It transforms throughout the year, showcasing stunning autumn foliage, the adorable arrival of goslings in spring, and lively summer evenings filled with music and community gatherings.
+2Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, a family-friendly outing, or a picturesque spot for photography, Prince's Island Park delivers. Its accessibility via walking, biking, or public transit, combined with its free entry, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Calgary.
Seasonal Wonders and Wildlife
+1Springtime brings a unique charm with the arrival of Canada geese and their fluffy goslings. Watching these young birds waddle and learn to navigate their environment is a delightful experience for nature lovers and families. However, visitors are advised to be mindful of nesting geese and give them space.
Summer evenings at Prince's Island Park are often filled with a lively atmosphere, featuring live music and a general sense of community enjoyment. The river breeze provides a welcome respite from the heat, making it an ideal place to unwind.
Dining and Picnicking Delights
Beyond the River Cafe, the park is an ideal location for a classic picnic. Visitors can pack their own lunches and find numerous shaded or unshaded spots to relax and enjoy their meal. This budget-friendly option allows everyone to savor the park's ambiance without breaking the bank.
Adding to the charm, a small ice cream shop is also available within the park, offering a sweet treat to complement a day of exploration. It's a simple pleasure that enhances the overall park experience, especially on warm days.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit